Trek Lodge to Lodge in the Atlas Mountains
Explore rugged valleys surrounded by Morocco’s highest peaks by day and sleep in comfort by night
Duration
5 nights
Annual Leave
4 days off work
Group Size
Up to 8 people
Season
Year-round
Location
Morocco
Meeting Point
Marrakesh Menara Airport
Classic Accommodation
Traditional riad · Lodge · Guesthouse
Customer Reviews
5.0
Difficulty
Moderate
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What's it like?
Hike the peaks and valleys of the Ouirgane and Toubkal National Park, past Berber villages and age-old kasbahs
Discover the UNESCO-listed main square, riads and colourful souks of Marrakech’s historic medina
Bed down in cosy retreats in the heart of the mountains and indulge on locally-sourced traditional Moroccan food
Day 1
Touch down and explore Marrakech
Fly into the city of Marrakech where your host will meet you at the airport and take you to your traditional riad in Marrakech’s historic medina. You'll then get the chance to spend the day exploring the city’s colourful souks, wander the UNESCO-listed main square and indulge in some amazing Moroccan food.
Day 2
Head to the mountains
Hiking
Meet your fellow adventurers and drive to the trailhead in Imi Oughlad where you’ll meet your local support team. You’ll kickstart your adventure with a hike through the Ouirgane National Park, heading towards the red clay village of Tinzert. Enjoy a picnic lunch under the juniper trees before continuing to Marigha village through the olive groves and on to your first mountain lodge, where a well earned dinner and bed are waiting.
Day 3
Berber villages
Hiking
After breakfast, you'll hike through the olives groves and on to a steady ascent towards the Azzaden Valley. Expansive views open up as you cross over into the valley and your guide will pick a picturesque spot to whip up lunch. After lunch you’ll follow the river, hiking through several small traditional Berber villages before reaching the Azzaden Trekking Lodge, perched on a hillside in the village of Aït Aïssa (1820m). Enjoy the sunset with views of the valley before dinner and bunking down for the night.
Day 4
Waterfalls and mountain ranges
Hiking
Wake up in the heart of the mountains and hit the trail again. Today you’ll hike via the Imlil waterfalls in the Toubkal National Park before continuing to Ait Mizan Valley via Tizi Mzzik at 2500m, with massive views of the Imlil villages and Atlas mountain range. You’ll later descend down to Imlil where you’ll be welcomed with a hot mint tea at the guesthouse.
Day 5
Journey back to Marrakech
Hiking
Up bright and early it’s time to hit the trails one last time. You’ll start out with a trek along the Tamatert Valley before taking the Tizi n’Tamatert mountain pass (2,279m) with big views into the Imnane Valley. Wind your way down the mule trail passing through Berber villages and stopping for a picnic at Jbel Oukaimeden (3,268m) before saying farewell to your crew and heading back to Marrakech for a final farewell feast.
Day 6
Goodbye Morocco
Relax over your last Moroccan breakfast, explore the town some more, then transfer to the airport to catch your flight home.
Included
Guides
Experienced, English-speaking mountain guides
Accommodation
2 nights in a riad, 2 in a mountain lodge, 1 in a guesthouse
Meals
All breakfasts, 4 lunches and 3 dinners
Transfers
To and from the airport and everything in-between
Porterage
Mules to carry your luggage on the trek
Not Included
Flights to and from the meeting point
Travel insurance
Personal expenses
Some meals as described
Visas where required
Day 1
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 2 – Day 3
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 4
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 5
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 6
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
What is the food like?
Moroccan food is a unique blend of sweet and savoury flavours. Local specialities include tajines (a stew cooked in an earthenware pot), couscous and pastilles (flaky pastries stuffed with meat and dusted with cinnamon and sugar). Food is often spiced with cumin, turmeric and ginger.
Breakfast will usually feature bread, jam, cookies, fruit, juice, coffee and milk, while lunch will feature salad, tomatoes, carrots, lentils, beans, rice or pasta, fish (sardines, tuna) and seasonal fruit. Dinner will usually include soup, a classic Moroccan tajine, couscous, olives, nuts and fruit.
Vegetarians, vegans and other dietary requirements and allergies can be catered for - please just request on your passenger info form.
What is the accommodation like?
Marrakech
In Marrakech, you'll stay in a beautiful riad - traditional Moroccan houses with an interior garden or courtyard. The exact riad you stay in will be confirmed nearer the time based on availability and group size. All are chosen for their excellent reputation, location, beautiful decor and welcoming service.
Ouirgane
You'll spend one night at the Ouirgane Ecolodge, located in Maghira village beside the National Taghrghourte Reserve.
The lodge was constructed using traditional local architecture with the interior and exterior walls made entirely of natural products. The goal being to ensure materials are resourced sustainably, with respect for the environment and an appreciation for the local Berber culture. The lodge also provides employment both directly and indirectly to the local community and surrounding villages.
Aït Aïssa
You'll spend one night at the Azzaden Trekking Lodge, perched on a hillside in the village of Aït Aïssa (1820m). The lodge is comfortable, with an open fire, four en-suite bedrooms and excellent local cuisine. It also allows you to stay right in the heart of the spectacular Atlas Mountains without having to compromise on accommodation.
Imlil
You'll spend one night at the Dar Adrar Guesthouse, located in a serene mountain setting in the Toubkal National Park. The guesthouse features cosy and neat accommodation in eight colourful Berber-style guest rooms with private bathrooms, four of them with a private chimney, a roof terrace with panoramic views over the Imlil valley, and an on-site Hammam or Turkish bath.
Upgrades
Due to the limited number of rooms, it is not possible to request a private room upgrade for this trip.
The Area
Logistics
Starts
Marrakech Menara Airport
Arrive anytime on Day 1
Ends
Marrakech Menara Airport
Depart anytime on Day 6
Transfers
Private transfers between the airport and your riad are included for any time you choose to arrive on day 1 and depart on day 6, or if you have booked additional pre or post trip accommodation with your host.
If you are making your own arrangements to extend your stay in Morocco, private transfers between Marrakech airport and Marrakech city are not included but can be arranged with your host for an additional cost. Please see Optional Extras for details.
Travel options
There are regular flights to Marrakech from airports across the UK, Europe and North America via Europe.
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What do I need to bring?
BAGS
Soft overnight duffel bag or rucksack
Daypack (25+ litres)
CLOTHES
Waterproof jacket
Lightweight down jacket
Waterproof trousers
Breathable wicking layers
Thermals (top and bottom, merino ideal)
Fleece or warm mid-layer
Lightweight trousers/shorts/skirts
T-shirts
Underwear & socks
Swimwear
Sunglasses
Sunhat
Winter hat
Gloves
Something to sleep in
Waterproof hiking boots (worn-in)
OTHER
Universal travel plug adapter
Power bank or solar charger
Passports (and visas)
Travel Insurance documents
Earplugs
Suncream
Personal first-aid kit (inc. blister treatment)
Alcohol hand-gel
Headtorch or torch
Reusable water bottle (x1 litre)
Biodegradable wet-wipes
Energy bars and snacks
Pre/Post Trip Accommodation Double/Twin Room
Payable Before Departure
Pre/Post Trip Accommodation Double/Twin Room
… Per Night
Pre/Post Trip Accommodation Single Room
Payable Before Departure
Pre/Post Trip Accommodation Single Room
… Per Night
Private transfer between Marrakech Airport and Marrakech City (per vehicle)
Payable Before Departure
Private transfer between Marrakech Airport and Marrakech City (per vehicle)
…
What an amazing trip. I was blown away by the Moroccon people and by the beauty and charm of the mountains and villages we walked through. I loved the authenticity of the villages and our hosts were incredibly hospitable. Hussein was the most outstanding guide. He was incredibly sensitive to the capability of our group and was firm enough to tell those of us who could go faster that we had to wait. He was great to talk to and an amazing ambassador for Morocco. Whilst our host at Riad Luzia was helpful and hospitable, and the riad in Marrakesh was overall fine, our room for two was small with barely enough room to lay a suitcase out. We loved the EcoLodge (a true oasis and swimming pool was amazing after a long hot walk) and loved the second riad which overlooked the village beneath. It had spectacular views. The accommodation was a little basic eg. the shower made a huge mess (it hung over the bath and sprayed everywhere) and there was no bath mat to mop up the spilt water. The last riad in Imlil was probably our least favourite in terms of rooms being small for sharing but it had a lovely patio which looked straight on to the mountain at sunset. Visiting the waterfall and watching the local villagers celebrate Eid was a special treat. I only really have two warnings to future hikers - we were prepared for the heat in July (almost, it was flipping hot!) but not for the extent to which we were fully exposed to the sun which makes the heat much more intense as there is little relief from it. On days 1 and 2 we had two people unable to complete the walk. I personally think they had overestimated their fitness levels. One needs to be adequately prepared for walking up steep inclines and down sharp unmanicured descents (very slippery) in the blazing sun. Whilst the distances covered are not huge I would rate this walk intermediate to challenging. My second criticism is with regards to the kit list - It feels like it is one list irrespective of the season. Ask for clarity on exactly what you need for when you are walking. I took stuff I didn't need and too much overall. All round, it was a highly memorable and wonderful time away and I'd recommend it to anyone who finds what I've written appealing.
This hike was tougher than expected, mainly because we chose a very hot time of year. Our guide Hussain was fantastic. He really made the trip for us! Overall it was a real adventure and I would highly recommend it!
I absolutely loved the trip, thank-you. The only feedback I have is to tailor the packing list for different seasons, and warn participants of the likely temperatures and altitudes - some of our party were caught off guard by the heat and heights. Thank you.
Hi the trip was amazing and Muhammad and his team were first class at making sure we enjoyed every minute. Highly recommend, the whole experience from being picked up from the airport, to being dropped back to the airport was well organised and first class.
Our trip was sensational! Loved every second. Would 100% recommend.
The trip was fantastic! Well organised, helpful and friendly local guide. Brilliant food. Comfortable lodges. Great scenery. Enjoyed seeing the local villages.
We partner with the World Land Trust to ensure this trip achieves Net-Zero emissions. We also support their Buy an Acre programme, helping local communities to buy and protect natural habitats in perpetuity.
What's the number?
It works out on average at 123kg of CO2 emissions per person, including all local transport, accommodation, food, activities, guides, staff and office operations.
The only thing it doesn’t include right now is flights and travel to the destination. We do make an overall estimate across all our customers separately, but as we don’t book flights, have customers from all corners of the world, and no way of reliably knowing their travel plans, we simply can’t include an individual number in the figure on display here. We’ve got a goal to fix that, so that when you book, there is a way to measure and mitigate the carbon emitted by your flight too.
But what does the number mean?
Yep, hard to picture eh? To give you an idea:
- Driving 1000miles/1609km would be approx. 281kg of CO2 in an average car (or 140.5kg per person if there was 2 of you in it).
- A return economy class flight London - New York would be approx. 1,619kg (1.66 tonnes) per person.
- 10 trees in a temperate forest are estimated to remove approx. 250kg of CO2 from the air in a period of 5-10 years.
What are we doing about it?
Our trips are relatively low-carbon by design, and we're working with all our hosts to develop long term carbon reduction plans. We partner with the World Land Trust to ensure this trip achieves Net-Zero emissions. We also support their Buy an Acre programme, helping local communities to buy and protect natural habitats in perpetuity, ensuring the protection of the reserve and its wildlife.
Want to know more?
Amazingly, no international travel company has ever publicly published their carbon measurements before, as far as we know. We believe that must change, quickly. So we’re openly sharing the method we used in the hope that other companies will be able to more easily follow suit and build on what we've done so far. You'll find it all here.
Much of the trek is within the capabilities of people with good fitness who are keen trekkers. Some training beforehand will help and we advise doing at least one weekend of back to back days walking. So although this trek is rated ‘moderate’ there are plenty of hours factored into each day to ensure it is completed by all. You only need to carry a day-pack each day. The views along the way make the journey more than worthwhile!
Sure can! Over 50% of our travellers travel solo, it’s a great way to meet like-minded people.
From April to October, daytime temperatures in the valleys are typically warm (25 - 30°C) but cool off considerably at night, and the higher you go, the cooler it gets. In the winter (November to March), daytime temperatures are still warm (10 - 20°C), but nighttime temperatures can drop below freezing. Afternoon storms are always possible in the Atlas Mountains during the summer months, but typically the winter months are wetter.
It rains a little in the valleys and snows on the peaks for a few days a month in the winter. Still, the amounts are small and generally, they don’t prevent anyone from enjoying the trek. The valleys are still warm and the snow on the high peaks makes the scenery that much more beautiful!
You can leave luggage you don't need in Marrakech, your host will store it safely.
We recommend checking out the country specific information here and also talking to a travel nurse.
For current advice about travelling in Morocco, have a read of the UK Foreign Office pages here.
Tips are not included in the trip cost. These are entirely at your discretion but there is an expectation to tip for good service. Your guide will help with advice however we suggest a minimum of 150 - 200 Dirham per person.
Of course, you are free to tip more or less and the amount should be reflective of your perception of service and quality - a tip is not compulsory and should only be given when you receive excellent service.
Our recommended travel insurance provider is Campbell Irvine.
Travel insurance is compulsory for all of our adventures and you are required to provide your policy information before departing.
Your insurance should include adequate protection for overseas medical treatment, evacuation/repatriation, your baggage and equipment and the specific activities involved on your adventure. We also strongly recommend it includes cancellation and curtailment insurance, should you be unable to join your trip for specific reasons such as illness.
We fully endorse Campbell Irvine as their insurance offers all of the above, so get in touch with them or call on 020 7938 1734 to get your insurance sorted. We suggest that you book travel insurance as soon as you book your adventure, just to cover you for any last-minute life changes. We know you’re an active lot and injuries do happen!
We automatically convert prices from the local currency that a host receives to your chosen currency. We update our exchange rates on a daily basis so this does mean that prices displayed on the site are subject to currency fluctuations, which is why you may see them change over time.
If you wish to change the currency you pay in, head to the bottom of the page.
All of our group adventures are specially designed for adults to enjoy (18+) as we want these adventures to bring together outdoorsy people who are truly like-minded. Children can be accommodated on some private departures.
You're always in good company on one of our adventures.
Our trips are typically made up of a mixture of solo travellers and small groups of 2 or 3 friends, with most in their 30s-50s.
Our sociable adventures are solo-friendly by design and naturally attract outdoorsy people with a shared mindset; a love for adventure, a desire to push themselves and meet awesome, like-minded people along the way.
It’s this camaraderie that has so often turned a great adventure into a life-changing one.
Don't just take our word for it:
- 95% of people rate the group dynamics on our trips 5/5
- 90% of people recommend joining a trip to make new friends
- 75% of people have met people on our trips that they would now consider friends
See here for more info about the Much Better Adventures tribe.
Interested in a more exclusive experience? Opt for a 'Private Group' through the dates and prices tab to book this adventure for just you and your chosen companions.
Our team of Adventure Hunters create exclusive adventures with highly vetted, specialist hosts. We only work with independent, local in-destination experts who know the very best places to explore and how to stay safe. See here for more info about the local teams we partner with.
TRIP DEPARTURE DATES
Go private and split the bill with ease.
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